Breed Standard | Davmac Kennels | Should, Strong, Length, Body, May

Breed Standard

Breed Standard of The Jack Russell Terrier

General Appearance

A strong active slimly built working
terrier of great character with flexible body of medium length and very strong
jaws. A smart mover with keen expression. Tail may be natural length or docked
and the coat may be rough, smooth or broken. Temperament shall be bold, fearless
or quietly confident. The terrier should present a lively, active and alert
appearance.

Head

Skull should be flat and of moderate width, gradually
decreasing in width to the eye and tapering to a wide muzzle. There should be a
defined stop but not over pronounced. The length from the stop to the nose
should be slightly shorter than from the stop to the occuput and cheek muscles
should be well developed. Not to be penalised due to battle scars or injuries.

Nose

Black.

Eyes

Small and dark with keen expression. Must not be prominent
and eyelids should fit closely. The eyelid rims should be pigmented black and
the eye should be almond shaped.

When viewed from the front, straight in bone from the point
of the shoulder to toes. When viewed from the sides there should be sufficient
length of upper arm to ensure forelegs are set underneath the withers. Elbows
should be under the body, with prosternum clearly in front of the shoulder
blades.

Chest

Deep, rather than wide with a good clearance and the brisket
located at the height mid way between the ground and the withers.

Body Proportion

The body should be proportioned marginally longer than tall,
measuring slightly longer from the withers to the root of the tail, than from
the withers to the ground. Back should be strong, straight and level.

Ribs

Well sprung from the spine then flattening on sides so that
the girth, just behind the elbows can be spanned by two hands - 40cm to 43cm.

May be smooth, broken, or rough. Smooth should be straight,
flat, hard, dense and abundant. Broken, hard and wiry, having a broken
appearance, free of softness or silkiness. Rough, long and hard wiry topcoat
with an undercoat. ALL types of coat must be weatherproof. Must be shown in
Natural Coat, no trimming, clipping, plucking or other alterations allowed.

Tail

Undocked - As of April 1st
2004.

Weight and Size

For conformation purposes the ideal height is 25cm to 30.5cm
(10" to 12"). For working purposes the height may range from 23cm to 34cm (9" to
13.5"). The weight should be the equivalent of approximately 1kg to each 5cm in
height ( 1lbs to 1").

Male Dogs

Male dogs should have two apparently normal testicles
descended into the scrotum.

Faults

Any departure from the above Standard is a fault, but the
following should be particularly penalised: